Tag: Michigan Panthers

1986 USFL Divisional Round Wrap Up

Games

Saturday

1986 USFL Divisional Round: Philadelphia Stars at Birmingham Stallions

1986 USFL Divisional Playoffs: Michigan Panthers at Denver Gold

Sunday

1986 USFL Divisional Round: New Jersey Generals at Boston Breakers

1986 USFL Divisional Round: Los Angeles Express at Houston Gamblers

Recap

The conference semifinal round got off to a slow start with two blowouts. Philadelphia fell to Birmingham and Denver took care of Michigan and their young quarterback Jim Harbaugh. Neither game featured any drama with the home teams rushing out to leads and holding on with a stingy defense to finish off the visitors.

The Sunday games featured closer games. New Jersey ran into the buzz saw that are the Boston Breakers this year. The Generals just didn’t have enough offense or defense to compete. They added some late touchdowns to make the score more respectable. However, Boston remains on a mission this year. Houston required some last minute Kelly magic to defeat the surprising Express and host the Gold next week for a spot in this year’s championship game.

1986 Conference Finals Weekend Preview

Birmingham Stallions at Boston Breakers: An immovable object meets the unstoppable force when Boston’s offense squares up against Birmingham’s defense. This promises to be one of the toughest tests for the high flying Breakers. However, they look poised to march into the USFL Championship with their flawless record intact. Our Take: It may be a close game, but the Breakers firepower will bring them home.

Denver Gold at Houston Gamblers: The Gold figured out how to, not only match, but in some ways surpass the prolific Houston offense. Their own version of the run and shoot with Bob Gagliano and Bill Johnson have them again on the verge of a USFL Championship. With rumors of Jim Kelly possibly leaving for the NFL in a couple of years, this represents one of the last times for him to lift another title. Our take: Close game, but never bet against Kelly in a tight spot.

1986 USFL Divisional Round Preview

Saturday

Philadelphia Stars at Birmingham Stallions

Philadelphia Stars: The Stars finished the season 10-8 and grabbed one of the wild card spots in the Atlantic. They never truly found their footing on offense, ranking in the middle or bottom in nearly every category. However, their defense kept them in games most of the year and were a primary reason that the Stars made the playoffs.

Birmingham Stallions: Birmingham put together another outstanding season, finishing at 14-4 and winning the South by a game over Jacksonville to take the number two spot in the conference. Their defense was even more impressive than Philadelphia. In addition, their offense ranked number 3 in total yards and 2 in rushing.

Quick Pick: The Stallions are just too much for the Stars. Plus they’re playing at home. Take Birmingham

Michigan Panthers at Denver Gold

Michigan Panthers: Michigan bounced back to 11-7 after two disappointing seasons. Their young and exciting quarterback Jim Harbaugh led the team to the tune of a fourth ranked scoring offense. Their defense had some bumps, ranking in the bottom quarter of the league in many categories.

Denver Gold: Denver finally found their footing under Mouse Davis and exploded on offense. They came in number two in scoring offense, number 1 in total yards, number 4 in rushing, and number two in passing. Never known for their defense, they held teams under 30 points per game to allow the explosive offense to steal some wins.

Quick Pick: Denver is just too powerful for Michigan and their young quarterback. The Panthers will be back, but take Denver this time.

Sunday

New Jersey Generals at Boston Breakers

New Jersey Generals: No surprise, but Jersey sported the number one rushing offense in the league. With Walker and Carthon, they averaged almost 200 yards rushing a game. But where they really shone was on defense, ranking in the top 5 in many categories.

Boston Breakers: By now, everyone knows the story of how the Breakers fan collective made a huge splash in the offseason by luring CFL quarterback Matt Dunigan to the team. It paid off in huge dividends with an 18-0 regular season and only one game where they sweated the outcome. Their defense can be some of an achilles heel, but the offense is just too powerful.

Quick Pick: Walker may have a big game, as he often does. But, Dunigan and the Breakers are on a mission. There’s no way they bow out this early.

Los Angeles Express at Houston Gamblers

Los Angeles Express: After last year’s disaster, they decided to go in a different direction and give their young quarterback Steve Young some time to develop. It paid off as they bounced back and made it to the playoffs, defeating the Ace in the wild card round.

Houston Gamblers: The Gamblers know nothing other than success in their time in the league. They’ve made the playoffs every year, winning the division and taking the number one seed each time. They won the Championship in their inaugural season and lost last year to Denver in the second round.

Quick Pick: Houston just wins at home. We don’t expect any less out of them this wekeend.

Be sure to return for full coverage of the games as they happen!

1985 London Game: Oakland Invaders vs. Michigan Panthers

Team Stats

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“Gridiron Symphony: Sunday’s Battle of Titans – July 28, 1986”

Greetings, gridiron enthusiasts! Nigel Somerset-Smith here, your guide through the captivating tapestry of American football. Today, we delve into the pages of history, specifically July 28, 1986, a day etched in the annals of gridiron glory.

In a clash that resonated with the echoes of determination and tactical prowess, the Oakland Invaders and the Michigan Panthers locked horns in a battle that transcended mere statistics. The sun hung high in the sky, casting its golden rays upon the field, setting the stage for a symphony of football prowess.

The scoreboard, a canvas for the unfolding drama, painted a tale of strategic brilliance and unwavering spirit. The Oakland Invaders, with quarterback Craig Sundberg at the helm, orchestrated a masterful opening act. Jess Atkinson’s accurate boot sent a 42-yard field goal sailing through the uprights, marking the commencement of a gridiron spectacle.

As the game unfolded, John Williams emerged as the maestro of the ground assault, carving through the Michigan defense with a 12-yard touchdown run. The Invaders were on a relentless march, their offensive prowess leaving fans in awe.

Tom Newton, adding his own chapter to the narrative, powered through for a 4-yard touchdown run, further solidifying Oakland’s dominance. Jess Atkinson’s reliable leg added to the spectacle with a 32-yard field goal, contributing to the Invaders’ commanding lead.

The Michigan Panthers, facing an uphill battle, found solace in Bobby Hebert’s 11-yard touchdown pass to Derek Holloway. The Panthers, despite the odds, showcased their resilience, refusing to let the Invaders dictate the entire script.

The tale of this gridiron symphony extended beyond touchdowns and field goals; it was a story of defensive tenacity and strategic battles. Oakland’s defense, led by Angelo Snipes and Tim Lucas, executed with precision, stifling Michigan’s attempts to turn the tide.

In the end, the final notes of this Sunday spectacle echoed with a resounding victory for the Oakland Invaders. The scoreboard read 20-8, a testament to their prowess on both ends of the field. Sundberg’s precision passing, Williams and Newton’s ground heroics, and a stalwart defense paved the way for triumph.

As the sun set on July 28, 1986, the echoes of this gridiron symphony lingered in the hearts of fans. Another chapter written, another tale told, and the magic of American football immortalized on the canvas of time.

Until our next journey into the realms of sporting splendor, this is Nigel Somerset-Smith, bidding you adieu with the resonant echoes of Sunday’s Battle of Titans still ringing in our ears.